- Despite security warnings, Governor Adeleke and the OSIEC are determined to carry out the local government election on Saturday, February 22
- The Osun State High Court ruled that the local government elections must proceed, confirming the validity of the poll after a previous Federal High Court ruling
- The APC criticised the PDP for judicial interference, while the PDP urged its supporters to vote in the elections
An Osun State High Court in Osogbo has ruled that the State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC) must proceed with the local government elections scheduled for Saturday, February 22, 2025.
The decision followed an order brought before the court by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against OSIEC and its Chairman, Hashim Abioye.
Court directs security agencies to ensure safety during elections
The court found that there were vacancies in the 30 local government areas of the state, confirming a previous ruling by the Federal High Court which had invalidated the local government elections held on October 15, 2022.
The court further ordered the removal of officials elected in the invalidated poll.
Additionally, the court directed all security agencies, including the Nigerian Police, Nigerian Army, Amotekun Corps, and others, to ensure adequate security before, during, and after the election.
Governor Ademola Adeleke, in a meeting with a civil society delegation, reaffirmed that the local government elections would go ahead as planned.
He emphasised that the people of Osun were ready to vote and expressed satisfaction with the preparations made by the electoral body.
Despite concerns about the security situation, Governor Adeleke stated that democracy must be upheld and that the rule of law would guide the election process.
In response to warnings from the Nigerian Police about potential violence and security threats, the force urged the Osun State Government to reconsider and suspend the election.
Police warn of potential unrest in Osun, urge election postponement
Police spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi said intelligence reports indicated a high likelihood of unrest, which could disrupt public peace and stability.
“The Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with other security agencies, is fully prepared to take decisive action to prevent any breakdown of law and order.
“However, to avert unnecessary confrontation and safeguard the democratic process, it is in the best interest of all stakeholders that the elections be stand down.
“Beyond the security concerns, it is also imperative to consider the legal clarification by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice on the extant judicial pronouncements concerning Local Government administration in Osun State with regards to the Court of Appeal judgment delivered on the 22nd of February 2025 which stands to have nullified the Federal High Court’s previous decision and reinforces the position that the elections, as presently contemplated, lack a firm legal foundation,” he stated.
Adeleke urges reassures citizens of fair elections
Governor Adeleke, however, ordered a restriction on vehicular movement from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. across the state to prevent the importation of thugs.
“Our people are prepared for elections tomorrow (today). They yearn to have their choices as chairmen and councillors. OSSIEC has also done a marvellous preparatory job according to reports at my disposal. Several political parties are participating and I believe there will be a level playing ground for all to test their popularity with the masses,” Governor Adeleke stated.
He also directed that only voters and accredited personnel would be allowed on the roads, with strict enforcement by security agencies.
“My advice to all parties including local and national stakeholders is to abide by democratic norms. As for me and my people, we stand by the rule of law, not illegal self-help.
“Election is going to hold and the outcome will be a fast-tracked development at the local level. I urge our people to remain peaceful. Osun is a truly peaceful state,” Adeleke added.
The Governor's spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, urged the public to disregard rumours about the cancellation of the election.
APC accuses PDP of judicial interference in Osun
Meanwhile, the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) criticised the PDP over an alleged injunction by a State High Court in Ilesa, which the APC described as "fake."
The APC also condemned what it perceived as interference by the executive in the judicial process, accusing the state government of undermining the rule of law.
In contrast, the PDP called on its supporters to turn out and vote in the election. The party also condemned comments made by Nigeria's Attorney General, Lateef Fagbemi, claiming that his remarks were part of a broader plot by the ruling APC to destabilise Osun State in retaliation for the PDP's electoral victory in 2022.
“Nigerians would recall, Lateef Fagbemi led the legal team of the defeated former governor Gboyega Oyetola in the attendant legal tussle following the woeful loss of the latter in the July 16, 2022 governorship election in Osun State, which ended in shame for Fagbemi and his team of rabble-rousers.
“It is therefore not surprising for the same individual attempting to foist his partisan opinion on the state, obviously taking side with members of his political party, APC, with whom he lost together up to Supreme Court.”
Ozekhome calls for fresh elections to resolve Osun LG crisis
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Professor Mike Ozekhome called for fresh elections in Osun State to resolve the ongoing local government crisis and avoid further violence.
Ozekhome urged all political parties to prepare for fair elections, stressing the importance of respecting court decisions and playing clean politics.